Hatsumode: The First Shrine Visit of the Year, Done Respectfully

Updated October 24, 2026 | By Tokyo Paul

At the start of each year, millions of people in Japan visit a shrine or temple to make a wish, pray for the year ahead, and begin afresh. This is hatsumode, and for many visitors it is one of the most memorable ways to experience Japan in winter. This guide explains what Wikipedia says about hatsumode, how to prepare, and how to join respectfully. Crowds can be very large, so patience and planning matter. Check each site's official information before you go.

What Hatsumode Is

Wikipedia describes hatsumode as the first shrine or temple visit of the new year, typically made on the first, second, or third day. It notes that most Japanese people have time off from December 29 to January 3. That time off is one reason the visits cluster in early January.

The Scale

The article gives some figures to convey the size of the crowds. It says Meiji Shrine had 3.2 million visitors in the first three days of January 2010, and 3.45 million in 1998. These are numbers from the page for particular years, so treat them as an illustration of scale rather than a current estimate. It also calls Senso-ji the most popular temple. Large shrines and temples can be very crowded during this period, and some manage queues to keep visitors moving.

What People Do

The Wikipedia page mentions several activities associated with the visit. People draw omikuji, buy ema, which are wooden plaques for wishes, and purchase new omamori, or protective charms. The article also notes that old charms are returned to the shrine. If you want to learn more, see the Tokyo Paul articles on omikuji and omamori, linked below.

Shrine Etiquette

The Visit Kanagawa tourism site gives a helpful summary of shrine manners. It advises bowing at the torii gate and avoiding walking in the center of the path to the main building. At the purification fountain, it explains that you rinse your left hand, then your right, then rinse your mouth without making noise, and avoid putting the ladle directly into your mouth. At the main hall, it describes placing an offering in the offering box and noting that there is no rule about how much to offer. It then describes bowing deeply twice, clapping twice and praying, and bowing once more. At temples, the same page says you do not clap your hands.

If a particular shrine has its own signs, follow those. During busy periods, staff may give instructions to keep lines moving.

Preparing for the Crowds

Choose your timing. Early morning may feel calmer, but there is no guarantee. Consider visiting on a later day in the period or after the main days.
Dress warmly. Winter weather can be cold, and you may spend time outdoors in lines.
Wear comfortable shoes. You may walk and stand for a long time.
Keep your belongings secure, and hold on to children.
Plan transportation carefully. Trains may be crowded, and some stations manage crowding with staff instructions.
Bring a small amount of cash for offerings and purchases, since some stalls may not accept cards.
Charge your phone, and agree on a meeting point if you get separated.

Being Respectful

Remember that for many visitors this is a sincere religious and cultural moment. Keep voices low, follow signs, and avoid blocking pathways. Ask before photographing people. Respect "no photography" and "no entry" areas, as the Visit Kanagawa page advises. Avoid revealing outfits, which the same page notes as a courtesy at shrines and temples.

If You Do Not Want a Crowd

You do not have to go to the biggest shrine. A small neighborhood shrine can offer a calmer experience. You can also visit later in January. Whatever you choose, the point is a quiet moment of reflection. Even a brief bow and a silent wish can be meaningful.

Combining Hatsumode With Other Seasonal Events

Hatsumode sits alongside other New Year customs. Kadomatsu are placed after Christmas, according to Wikipedia. Osechi foods are eaten from jubako boxes. And fukubukuro, or lucky bags, are a popular shopping custom at the New Year. Visiting a shrine can be the quiet center of a season that is also full of food and shopping.

A Short Reflection Exercise

Before you visit, take a few minutes to think about what you want to say in your quiet moment. It does not need to be a grand wish. You might simply express thanks for the past year, or set an intention for the coming one. Writing a sentence or two in a notebook can help. Then, at the shrine, you can let the words go and focus on the simple movements of bowing and praying.

A Note on Weather and Timing

Early January weather can be cold and dry, and a visit may involve long stretches outdoors. Check the forecast the night before, bring gloves and a warm hat, and carry a small thermos if the shrine allows food and drink. Shrines often post notices about crowd management, so look for signs when you arrive and follow staff guidance.

Customs Around the New Year Break

Wikipedia says most people outside retail and emergency services get time off from about December 29 to January 3, and that during the break people clean their homes, settle debts, visit loved ones, and exchange gifts. On New Year's Day morning, according to the page, people pray at home, then drink toso, a sake, and eat celebratory dishes such as osechi and zoni. Hatsumode fits into this season of fresh starts, which is why it can be helpful to plan your visit as part of a longer rhythm and not as a single stop.

What People Do at the Shrine

The article says visitors buy new omamori, make wishes for the year, and return old charms to the shrine to be burned. It also says people who draw an unlucky omikuji can tie it to a tree on the shrine grounds, hoping the prediction will not come true, and that omikuji predictions cover areas of life such as business and love for the coming year. If you are new to these customs, follow what the shrine's signs and staff instruct, and ask politely if you are unsure.

How Big Does It Get?

According to Wikipedia, major shrines across Japan often have very long lines, and Senso-ji in Tokyo is described as the most popular for hatsumode. The page reports that Meiji Shrine had 3.45 million visitors in 1998, and that in the first three days of January 2010, Meiji Jingu drew 3.2 million visitors, Narita-san 2.98 million, Kawasaki Daishi 2.96 million, Fushimi Inari-taisha 2.7 million, and Sumiyoshi Taisha 2.6 million. These are older figures, so use them to understand scale and not as predictions. Expect crowds, waiting, and slow movement at big shrines.

A Newer Tradition Than You Might Think

The page says the tradition is believed to be fairly recent, mainly created in the Meiji era by railway companies trying to attract customers. That is presented as a belief and not as established fact, so it is best to say it that way if you repeat it. It also says shrines earn much of their income in the first week or two of the year. Knowing this can help you understand why the shrines are so busy and why staff are working hard.

Planning for a Safe, Calm Visit

If you do not like crowds, consider visiting on a later day in the first weeks of January, or choosing a smaller local shrine. Dress warmly in layers, wear comfortable shoes, and bring a charged phone and a small bag. Agree on a meeting point in case you are separated, and follow instructions from staff and police. Be patient in lines, keep your belongings secure, and avoid pushing. If you feel unwell in a crowd, move to the edge and ask for help.

Questions People Ask

When is hatsumode? Typically the first, second, or third day of the new year, according to Wikipedia.

What do people buy? Omikuji, ema, and new omamori.

What happens to old charms? They are returned to the shrine.

Do you clap at temples? The Visit Kanagawa page says you do not clap at temples.

How much should I offer? The page says there is no rule about how much you should offer.

A Quiet Beginning

A new year does not need to begin with a big resolution. A bow, a breath, and a simple wish may be enough. If you join the crowd at a famous shrine, take a moment to notice the people around you, each carrying their own hopes.

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